S4 Ep37: Brother UK Cycling Podcast - 2023 National Road Championships Preview

Brother UK Cycling Podcast

The 2023 National Road Championships in Redcar and Cleveland could be one for the ages. Stacked fields in the three disciplines, a relentlessly hilly road course, a fast and flat time-trial course, and a circuit that takes in town centre and seafront, it promises excitement and intrigue, challenge and reward.

In this episode, co-hosts Timothy John and Phil Jones, the Managing Director of Brother UK, make a detailed analysis of the forthcoming championships. As might be expected, Tim and Phil consider the commercial and strategic context, as well as the competitive aspects of this blue riband sporting event.
Their analysis is boosted by expert insights from Jonathan Day, British Cycling’s Sport and Participation Director, and from Larry Hickmott, the Founder and Editor of Brother UK-sponsored VeloUK.net. Jonathan has led the team responsible for the forthcoming championships, while Larry has covered almost every edition for the last 20 years.
Jonathan describes the dual nature of the national championships: races with the most coveted prizes in domestic cycling and a halo event to inspire year-round cycling activity in the host region. He explains the similarities between British Cycling’s pursuit of a venue and the approach adopted by commercial race organisers.
Larry compares the road course with that used for Cleveland’s much-missed Klondike Grand Prix and describes why Skelton Green might be more decisive than Saltburn Bank. He explains why the time-trial course seemed shorter than expected and describes trying to visualise a town-centre circuit course before the barriers are erected.
With dazzling start lists equal to breathtaking backdrops of the North Yorkshire coast, the 2023 National Road Championships seems set to be a memorable edition. Enjoy this in-depth preview of the courses and contenders, presented alongside a broader consideration of the economic and social context in which they’ll be delivered.